Becky McAnulty is an advanced practice registered nurse, dedicated to treating and managing cardiovascular disorders and building trusting relationships with her patients. As a lifelong resident of Newton and Boone counties, she has devoted her career to finding ways to provide healthcare services to her community.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville and her master’s of science in nursing from Cox College in Missouri. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Becky enjoys spending time with her husband and two children and outdoor activities like boating, kayaking, hiking and horseback riding.

Get to know Becky

What inspired you to pursue medicine?

Caregiving was engrained in me at an early age by the women in my family. My mom is a retired respiratory therapist, and my grandmother was a licensed practical nurse, so I was exposed to healthcare through watching how they interacted with those in the community. I knew that I wanted to have the knowledge to be able to provide care to my community, too.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

The most enjoyable part of my job is watching a patient succeed in their healthcare goals. I believe by educating them on their disease process and collaborating to find ways that work for them to obtain improvements in their heart health, they become a part of the team instead of just a recipient of the care. Being able to celebrate small or large improvements together is the best.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I mostly enjoy spending time with my family and outdoor activities such as boating, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding and four-wheeling. I was raised on a cattle farm in Newton County, and love spending time as a family working on the farm.

If you are unable to self-schedule online or prefer to speak with us via phone, please call our office. 

Existing Patients: (870)280-2192 

New Patients: (833) 733-7244 

Cristie Allen is an advanced practice nurse specializing in the treatment of cardiac illnesses including coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure and arrhythmias.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on adult gerontology primary care from Maryville University.

Cristie enjoys making personal connections, and thoroughly explaining diseases and their treatment plan with patients. Her approach to care is centered on enhancing the quality of life of her patients and learning and applying the newest medical developments and procedures.

Outside of work you can find her hiking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her sons and dogs.

Get to know Cristie

Why did you become an APN?

I have always wanted to help others and be a source of positivity and encouragement. This foundation, coupled with encouragement from a mentor to pursue a higher education led me to nursing. I sincerely believe that I am fulfilling a calling in my life. The personal gratification of caring for my community as a nurse inspired me to advance my education further and become an APRN. I knew that I wanted to serve by providing quality healthcare, specifically caring for the hearts of my community.

Make an appointment 

Existing Patients: (870)376-5590 

New Patients: (833) 733-7244 

Natalie is an advanced nurse practitioner, focused on vein and vascular care. She strives to be a light for patients and a comfort for families in their most difficult, vulnerable moments. Natalie follows Arkansas Heart’s patient-centered care approach to provide each person an individual care plan tailored to their needs and situation.

She earned both her Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University, where she graduated with honors. She was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society recognizing her academic excellence and passion for innovation in nursing. Natalie served at Arkansas Heart Hospital as an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Registered Nurse prior to completing her master’s and now continues her practice as an APN specializing in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease.

Natalie is an Arkansas native and currently resides in Benton. Outside of her role at Arkansas Heart, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and family as well as traveling.

To request an appointment, please contact us at (501) 978-3746.

Courtney House is an adult gerontology primary care and family nurse practitioner, named one of the Top 40 Nurse Leaders Under 40 by the Arkansas Center for Nursing. Courtney is committed to treating not just disease, but patients as a whole, to improve their quality of life and provide the best possible care.

She earned a Master of Science in nursing and family nurse practitioner certification from Northwestern State University after receiving a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Arkansas School for Medical Sciences. Courtney served on the board of the Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Association for two years. Courtney serves full-time at the Arkansas Heart Hospital Texarkana Clinic.

Courtney named one of AY’s Best Women in Healthcare.

Make an appointment 

Existing Patients: (903) 336-6900 

New Patients: (833) 733-7244 

Maleah is a board-certified physician assistant at the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at Arkansas Heart Hospital. She obtained her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Harding University, her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and her Bachelor of Science in Cytotechnology from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She holds a certificate of Advanced Education in Obesity for her extensive knowledge of evidence-based obesity medicine treatment approaches and ongoing commitment to bettering patients’ health.

Maleah is passionate about helping her patients transform, restore their quality of life and resolve diseases like diabetes and hypertension, which inspired her clinical focus in bariatric surgery. When not at work, she enjoys fly fishing with her husband, hiking, and spending time with family.

Get to know Maleah

What inspired you to go into medicine?

I started out in healthcare as a nursing assistant and enjoyed working with people and providing patient care. I was also always interested in science and biology which attracted me to careers in cytology and molecular diagnostics. The PA profession has allowed me to combine my love of science and people.

What do you enjoy most about your career?

I mostly enjoy watching patients transform, helping them restore their quality of life, and curing diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

Melanie Amick is a Family Nurse Practitioner, board certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University where she graduated with honors. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Arkansas State University in Russellville. She has worked in the Arkansas Heart Hospital organization since 2005. Melanie is the Director of CT and Keep the Beat, a heart screening program at the Little Rock Clinic. Melanie is a native Arkansan. She enjoys spending time outdoors and entertaining family and friends.

Melanie named one of AY’s Best Women in Healthcare.

 

To request an appointment, please call our office. 

Existing Patients: (501) 748-8472 

New Patients: (833) 733-7244 

Lauren McBride is an advanced practice nurse in the Bariatric & Metabolic Institute Clinic at Arkansas Heart Hospital, working alongside bariatric surgeons Dr. Samuel Bledsoe, Dr. J.D. Fuller, and Dr. J.J. Tucker. She began her nursing career as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2011 working at Christus St Michael’s Hospital in Texarkana, Texas. While working there, she furthered her education graduating with an Associate’s of Applied Science Nursing degree in 2012. She worked as a Registered Nurse, providing community home health care in her hometown, Hope, Arkansas, from 2013 until graduating with her Master’s of Science in Nursing from Walden University in 2018. Shortly after graduation, she relocated to central Arkansas where she began her career at the Arkansas Heart Hospital.

Get to know Lauren

What do you enjoy about being a APN in the BMI clinic?

I truly believe God led me to the bariatric clinic, and I am so thankful he did. The doctors and our wonderful staff are all such a blessing to work with. It is a rewarding role to get to watch patients’ lives change so drastically in such a short time. I’ve watched patients struggle with severe diabetes, cardiac disease, respiratory complications,  mobility limitations and so much more. For almost a decade prior to coming to the bariatric clinic, I cared for all types of very sick patients and simply managed their health conditions the best we could but here, at the Arkansas Heart Hospital, we see patients’ health issues resolved, and patients get a second chance to take control of their health. As a medical provider there is nothing more rewarding than that.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going to church, reading and being outdoors.

 

 

Abby Connerly is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She completed her Master of Nursing Science from UAMS in Little Rock and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. She has enjoyed working with cardiac patients since she first graduated nursing school in 2014. She worked as a floor nurse at the Arkansas Heart Hospital before she became a nurse practitioner. In her free time, Abby enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, being outdoors and traveling to new and fun destinations. She currently works with Dr. Monica Lo in both the hospital and clinic in Little Rock.

Abby named one of AY’s Best Women in Healthcare.

Make an appointment 

Existing Patients: (501) 219-6468 

New Patients: (833) 733-7244 

Sydnie Thessing is a nurse practitioner at Arkansas Heart Hospital. She is credentialed through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners with a family practice certification. She started her career as a registered nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and later served in the cath lab at Arkansas Heart Hospital’s Conway Clinic, where she discovered her interest in cardiology. She also has experience in emergency medicine and gastroenterology.

A Conway native, Sydnie graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree before receiving her Master in Science of Nursing degree and graduating with honors in 2017. She is a current member of the American College of Cardiology and Sigma Theta Tau International, a nursing honors society.

Get to know Sydnie

What is the most interesting aspect of your career?

The world of cardiology is always changing and growing. I am amazed at how far medical therapies and technologies have progressed in such a short time. We have more options, and better options, available to treat patients with heart conditions compared to just a few years ago. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities to learn, which keeps things interesting.

What do you find most rewarding? 

I enjoy educating patients about how they can better their heart health and improve their quality of life. I find it rewarding to be able to explain complex cardiovascular disease processes and procedures in a way that helps others understand more clearly. I value the relationships I have made with my patients and always strive to put them at ease about stressful medical situations when I can.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Sydnie resides in Conway with her husband and son. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with close friends and family, traveling, cooking, playing piano and reading

Make an appointment 

Existing Patients: (501) 219-6461 

New Patients: (833) 733-7244